Shelly's Recipe

MIDWINTER CAKE

Category: Desserts

1 (6 serving pkg) cook and serve vanilla pudding mix
2-3 tsp instant coffee crystals
1 tsp unflavored gelatin
2 cups milk
1 1/2 (4 oz) pkg sweet baking chocolate, broken
2 1/2 (3 oz) pkg ladyfingers, about 30, split
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Garnish
Whipped cream
Slivered almonds

In a large saucepan, combine pudding mix, coffee and gelatin. Stiri milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat; add chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Cool for 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, line a loaf pan with waxed paper. Line bottom and sides with split ladyfingers. Stir filling until smooth. Fold in the whipped cream after the filling has cooled. Spoon half the filling into the ladyfinger lined pan. Cover filling with a layer of ladyfingers. Repeat layers. Cover; chill overnight.

Sto serve, uncover loaf and invert onto serving plate. Remove waxed paper. Garnish and slice into serving pieces. Serves 8